Golden Opportunity for Farmers, Good Profits from Makhana cultivation, there will be Bumper Yield

Makhana, a hydrophytic plant, serves as a vital source of livelihood for impoverished farmers. Known colloquially as the 'black diamond,' Makhana is a lucrative crop, especially beneficial for marginalized fishing communities in the eastern regions of India, where agriculture is both challenging and risky. Its cultivation has expanded to the northeastern regions and Jammu and Kashmir. Makhana farming presents an opportunity for utilizing seasonal water bodies in these regions. When combined with fish and water chestnut cultivation, Makhana farming emerges as a sustainable agricultural system for the eastern region. Farmers can reap significant benefits from cultivating Makhana in stagnant water bodies. Moreover, Makhana can be intercropped with rice, wheat, barley, and other crops. Bihar stands out as the sole state in India where Makhana is commercially cultivated. Approximately 88% of Makhana production originates from Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnia, and Katihar districts, covering a total cultivation area of 13,000 hectares.

Climate and Temperature for Makhana cultivation:

Makhana cultivation requires a warm and subtropical climate. It thrives in water bodies such as ponds, marshes, and ditches throughout the year. The suitable temperature for its growth ranges from 20 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius, with an annual rainfall of 100 to 250 centimeters being highly necessary for its development. Makhana cultivation sustains the livelihoods of thousands of impoverished farmers, especially those in Bihar and Manipur. It is sold in markets in the form of popped seeds (papad).

For Makhana Sowing and Planting:

Makhana cultivation takes place in waterlogged areas with depths of 4 to 6 feet or in fields similar to other crops. Between 30 to 90 kilograms of healthy Makhana seeds are manually harvested from the pond in December. The seeds start germinating underwater 35 to 40 days after being planted, and by the end of February or early March, Makhana plants emerge above the water's surface.

Healthy plants are transplanted from March to April, with rows spaced at 1.20 meters to 1.25 meters apart. After two months of planting, vibrant purple flowers begin to bloom. All parts of the Makhana plant have a prickly nature. Once the fruits ripen resembling pearls, they start to split open. Approximately 2 to 3 months after harvesting, while collecting the remaining one-third of the seeds from the water, they begin to sprout, gearing up for the next crop cycle.

For Pond and Field Preparation for Makhana:

There no necessity to sow Makhana seeds in ponds since the seeds left from the previous year's ponds suffice for the following year. In the farming approach, Makhana seeds are either directly sown in fields or seedlings are prepared for planting, similar to rice crops. Makhana cultivation is carried out in agricultural land submerged in water up to 1 foot. Alongside Makhana, rice and other crops can also be cultivated in the same field. Makhana plants are initially nurtured in nurseries. Following 2 to 3 deep plowings of the field, it is readied for Makhana cultivation by leveling it with a tractor or traditional plow. Cultivation should be completed from the first week of February to the second week of April. Prior to planting, a bund approximately 2 feet high should encircle the field, filling it with around 1 foot of water.

Fertilizers and Nursery Preparation:
The use of fertilizers and nutrients is crucial for Makhana cultivation in fields. On average, Makhana crops require approximately 100:60:40 kilograms per hectare of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, respectively. Loamy soil is highly suitable for Makhana cultivation. The field should undergo two to three deep plowings for Makhana cultivation. Creating a bund around the field, approximately two feet high and filled with water, is essential. Following this, Makhana seeds should be sown in December by submerging them in water for 1-5 feet. For Makhana sowing in a hectare area, approximately 500 square meters of nursery should be prepared. For this, 20 kilograms of healthy Makhana seeds should be soaked in water and spread in the prepared field.

Harvesting and Storage of Makhana: For Makhana cultivation, seeds are dispersed in ponds, typically from August to October. The collection of seeds usually occurs between 6 AM to 11 AM, involving 4 to 5 individuals who gather them from the pond. Bamboo sticks are utilized to construct a barrier in the pond, ensuring thorough sifting and purification of the seeds from impurities. Afterwards, the seeds are rolled on the ground using a cylindrical container for smoothness, then washed and packed into jute bags.

Makhana can be stored for prolonged periods under normal conditions. However, due to its bulkiness, it requires significant space. Therefore, the entire Makhana yield is mainly sold to wholesalers, who accumulate it to capitalize on higher profits after a few days of harvesting. In the market, raw Makhana is priced between 150 to 200 rupees per kilogram, while premium quality Makhana commands prices ranging from 250 to 300 rupees per kilogram, allowing farmers to realize substantial profits.

Pest Management and Control for Makhana Cultivation:

1. Aphids: These pests primarily target the foliage, while grasshoppers and root borers affect the flowers and roots, respectively. To mitigate their impact, it is recommended to use a 0.3% neem oil solution for spraying. Additionally, to deter root borers, the application of 25 kilograms of neem cake during field preparation is advisable.
2. Downy Mildew Disease: This fungal disease poses a significant threat to Makhana plants and is caused by Alternaria tenuis. It manifests as circular necrotic lesions with a deep brown or black hue on the upper leaf surface. To prevent its spread, spraying a solution containing Copper oxychloride or Diathane Z-78 at a concentration of 0.3% is recommended, applied two to three times with intervals of fifteen days.